7 House-friendly herbs to grow in a tropical kitchen

Indoor Garden: 7 House-friendly herbs to grow in your kitchen

Angela Goh

13 Jun 2017

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Peppermint
You’ve probably heard of the benefits of peppermint by now. Upset tummy? Peppermint tea. Down with a cold? Peppermint tea. Blocked sinuses? Peppermint tea. The soothing effects of this miracle herb definitely makes for a good reason to keep it thriving in your in-house herb garden. And if you’re crafting your own cocktails or even cooking up some lamb chops for dinner, a side of mint for garnishing will be the cherry on top for your culinary creations.

How to grow it indoors: Frequently harvesting your mint is the key to keeping the plant in tip-top condition, as it is a very fast-growing herb. Be sure to water your mint regularly, especially on hot and dry days.
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Rosemary
With its strong fragrance, rosemary is commonly used as a garnishing for meat and poultry. It can also be used to flavour sauces and stuffing for roasts. If you’re a baker, rosemary focaccia is a real treat. But did you know rosemary can also be used as a beauty ingredient? Wash your hair with rosemary water to stimulate hair growth and to clarify your hair and scalp.

How to grow it indoors: It can be tricky to grow rosemary indoors as it needs plenty of sunlight. If your kitchen has a window, all the better. Keep the soil damp at all times, as you don’t want to let the rosemary plant dry out.
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Parsley
Asian cooking generally uses plenty of parsley, so this is one herb you might want to keep on hand. A good source of vitamin K and vitamin C, the leaves are prized for the strong flavour it imparts on culinary dishes. Often a garnishing more than an ingredient that is used liberally, it is a versatile herb that can add an aesthetic touch to any dish.

How to grow it indoors: Keep the soil lightly moist, not overly damp. Do not leave your pot sitting in water — rather, empty the saucer underneath once you are done watering it. Parsley grows fairly well in containers and small pots.
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Thyme
With its adorable tiny leaves, thyme is an aesthetically pleasing herb that can be used in a variety of dishes, including cakes and sauces. In Italian cooking, it isn’t uncommon to find a blend of thyme, rosemary, sage and marjoram to flavour certain dishes like meats and pizzas.

How to grow it indoors: Easy to keep, you don’t have to constantly be watering your thyme plants. Just keep in mind that they grow quite fast and will spread fairly quickly, so harvest frequently and space them far apart.
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Basil
Basil is often partnered with tomatoes and burrata, or used in watermelon salads. Of course, the most common manifestation of basil in a dish would be pesto. If you’re a fan of Italian dishes, it’s always good to have some fresh basil on hand!

How to grow it indoors: Basil thrives in warm environments, with moist soil of a neutral pH. It requires sunlight in the daytime, so keep your pot next to your kitchen window if possible.
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Oregano
This pungent herb can be used to make marinades and stuffings. Extensively found in Mediterranean, Italian and roasting recipes, oregano pairs well with meats and vegetables, and while it works very well when harvested fresh, it can also be used dried.

How to grow it indoors: You can grow oregano in the same herb garden as your thyme and sage as they have very similar growing requirements. The herb requires a good amount of sunlight and heat, so keep it close to the window.
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Sage
Sage is sometimes used as a medicinal herb as it is thought to help with hair health and weight loss, but it is also used as a fantastic culinary ingredient. Sage can be used as a seasoning in tomato-based sauces, as well as a garnish for pizzas and salads.

How to grow it indoors: Sage is quite a drought-tolerant herb, so a little water can go a long way. Once the soil feels fairly dry, you can give it a thorough watering. Just be sure that it gets enough sunlight.

Fresh herbs as and when you want them? Easy! Start your own mini indoor herb garden!

You’re about to bake a delicious rack of lamb when you think to yourself: “I could really use some sprigs of rosemary to spice up this dish”. You’re boiling the kettle and you find yourself wishing “I wouldn’t mind a cup of refreshing peppermint tea right about now”. Shame you don’t have these herbs on hand, huh? Imagine! Fresh, delicious herbs at your fingertips whenever you want them.

Got a green thumb? We’re looking at you! If you’ve always dreamt of growing you own herb garden in the confines of your home but haven’t a clue where to start, look no further. We’ve rounded up some amazing herbs that can thrive in the tropical climate of Southeast Asia, and would definitely look brilliant in your home, as well as keep your kitchen stocked. Head up to the gallery to check them out!

Angela Goh

Photos: Getty Images

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